MLB Preview Thursday6/27/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate features a mix of intriguing matchups that should make for an exciting day of baseball. We’ll dive into each game, focusing on the pitching matchups and providing key insights to help you understand the overall dynamics. This preview will give you a solid foundation to build your DFS lineups as we dig into the Top Hitters and Top Stacks later today.

Early Slate (3 Games)

Minnesota Twins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 3:40 PM ET – Chase Field

Pitching Matchup: David Festa (MIN) vs. Jordan Montgomery (ARI)

• David Festa (MIN):
  • Festa is making his debut, and while we don’t have MLB data, his minor league performance suggests he has potential. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit walks will be crucial.
• Jordan Montgomery (ARI):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.99
    • K%: 20%
    • BB%: 7%
    • xwOBA: .350
  • Montgomery has struggled with consistency, particularly against right-handed hitters. His ground ball rate (43%) can help limit damage, but he’ll need to keep the ball down against a Twins lineup with power.

Game Insights:

• The Twins’ lineup, with power hitters like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, has the potential to exploit Montgomery’s weaknesses. Look for the Twins to be aggressive early.
• Arizona’s offense will look to test Festa, particularly with their left-handed hitters who have been productive this season.

Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants – 3:45 PM ET – Oracle Park

Pitching Matchup: Shota Imanaga (CHC) vs. Jordan Hicks (SF)

• Shota Imanaga (CHC):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 3.52
    • K%: 25%
    • BB%: 4%
    • xwOBA: .299
  • Imanaga has shown excellent control and the ability to generate strikeouts. His ability to limit hard contact makes him a solid option against the Giants.
• Jordan Hicks (SF):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.49
    • K%: 24%
    • BB%: 10%
    • xwOBA: .334
  • Hicks has a high strikeout rate but struggles with control. His ground ball rate (55%) can help mitigate damage, but walks could be an issue.

Game Insights:

• The Cubs will look to capitalize on Hicks’ control issues. Players like Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki could benefit from extended at-bats.
• The Giants’ offense will need to be patient against Imanaga, working counts and looking for mistakes to drive.

Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago White Sox – 4:10 PM ET – Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup: Chris Sale (ATL) vs. Chad Kuhl (CHW)

• Chris Sale (ATL):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 2.67
    • K%: 30%
    • BB%: 6%
    • xwOBA: .262
  • Sale’s ability to generate strikeouts and limit walks makes him a dominant force. His matchup against a struggling White Sox lineup is favorable.
• Chad Kuhl (CHW):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 5.03
    • K%: 17%
    • BB%: 16%
    • xwOBA: .351
  • Kuhl’s high walk rate and susceptibility to home runs make him a target for the Braves’ powerful lineup.

Game Insights:

• The Braves’ offense, led by Matt Olson and Austin Riley, will look to take advantage of Kuhl’s struggles. Expect them to be aggressive and seek early runs.
• The White Sox will have a tough task against Sale. They will need to find ways to put the ball in play and capitalize on any opportunities.

Main Slate (4 Games)

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 6:20 PM ET – Citizens Bank Park

Pitching Matchup: Trevor Rogers (MIA) vs. Zack Wheeler (PHI)

• Trevor Rogers (MIA):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 5.06
    • K%: 19%
    • BB%: 9%
    • xwOBA: .352
  • Rogers has struggled with consistency and control. His high xERA and walk rate make him vulnerable against a strong Phillies lineup.
• Zack Wheeler (PHI):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 2.89
    • K%: 27%
    • BB%: 6%
    • xwOBA: .272
  • Wheeler is an elite option with his high strikeout rate and excellent control. He matches up well against a Marlins lineup that has had offensive struggles.

Game Insights:

• The Phillies’ offense, with stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, will look to capitalize on Rogers’ struggles. Expect them to be aggressive early.
• Miami will need to find a way to generate offense against Wheeler, likely focusing on making contact and trying to string together hits.

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles – 6:35 PM ET – Camden Yards

Pitching Matchup: Jon Gray (TEX) vs. Corbin Burnes (BAL)

• Jon Gray (TEX):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.28
    • K%: 22%
    • BB%: 8%
    • xwOBA: .327
  • Gray has shown the ability to generate strikeouts but has been inconsistent. His matchup against a potent Orioles lineup will be challenging.
• Corbin Burnes (BAL):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 2.76
    • K%: 25%
    • BB%: 8%
    • xwOBA: .266
  • Burnes is one of the top pitchers in the game, with an excellent strikeout rate and the ability to limit hard contact. He faces a Rangers lineup that has been solid but can be contained.

Game Insights:

• The Orioles’ offense, featuring players like Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman, will look to challenge Gray and force him into making mistakes.
• The Rangers will have a tough task against Burnes. They will need to be patient and look for opportunities to capitalize on any mistakes.

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays – 7:07 PM ET – Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup: Carlos Rodon (NYY) vs. Jose Berrios (TOR)

• Carlos Rodon (NYY):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.55
    • K%: 22%
    • BB%: 8%
    • xwOBA: .336
  • Rodon has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent. His ability to generate strikeouts will be key against a powerful Blue Jays lineup.
• Jose Berrios (TOR):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.74
    • K%: 22%
    • BB%: 6%
    • xwOBA: .342
  • Berrios has struggled with consistency and has been prone to giving up home runs. His matchup against the Yankees’ power hitters will be challenging.

Game Insights:

• The Yankees, with power hitters like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, will look to exploit Berrios’ vulnerabilities. Expect them to be aggressive early and seek to put runs on the board quickly.
• The Blue Jays will rely on their offensive firepower, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, to challenge Rodon and put pressure on the Yankees’ pitching staff.

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals – 7:45 PM ET – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott (CIN) vs. Miles Mikolas (STL)

• Andrew Abbott (CIN):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 3.18
    • K%: 24%
    • BB%: 9%
    • xwOBA: .285
  • Abbott has been solid with a good strikeout rate and decent control. His matchup against the Cardinals’ lineup will be a test of his abilities.
• Miles Mikolas (STL):
  • Stats:
    • xERA: 4.00
    • K%: 17%
    • BB%: 5%
    • xwOBA: .317
  • Mikolas relies on control and ground balls to be effective. His low strikeout rate makes him dependent on his defense, but he can limit damage with his ability to induce weak contact.

Game Insights:

• The Reds’ offense, led by Jonathan India and Elly De La Cruz, will look to be patient and take advantage of any mistakes from Mikolas.
• The Cardinals will need contributions from Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado to challenge Abbott and put runs on the board.

By focusing on these key matchups and pitching insights, you’ll be well-prepared to build your DFS lineups for today’s MLB slate. Stay tuned for our Top Hitters and Top Stacks articles later today for more detailed offensive analysis and player recommendations.